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PHILADELPHIA – Coming into Tuesday, Freddy Galvis had just one hit in 30 at-bats through 11 games this season. Still, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg has faith in his young utility player.

"I'm going to just continue to give him his at-bats," Sandberg said Tuesday. "I know what that's like. I've been there."

In the opening nine games of Sandberg's first full season (1982), the Hall of Famer had one hit in his first 30 at-bats too. Sandberg played 156 games that season and finished hitting .271.

The situation is a bit different for the 24-year-old Galvis, as he has major league experience in parts of the last two seasons. He suffered similar troubles last season and was sent down to Triple-A to try and revitalize his bat.

If Sandberg has his way, Galvis won't be going anywhere soon. His glove is valuable enough, the manager said, to warrant his presence on the 25-man roster regardless of his offensive output. Sandberg is confident the bat will come around.

"I have no problem putting him in there," Sandberg said. "He's a valuable guy on the defensive end of things. He still has a lot of value being a bench player. ... I think he can hit from .250 to .275 down the road, and hopefully this year."

Hernandez to be skipped

In a four-day span this week, the Phillies will have had two off days, which allows a strategy shift for Sandberg.

Roberto Hernandez's appeared out of the bullpen against the Mets on Tuesday, meaning he will miss his scheduled start Friday. Cliff Lee will start Friday's game against the Nationals, with Hernandez's next start likely coming next Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

"He's done that before," Sandberg said. "He's no mystery to throwing out the bullpen."

Hernandez has pitched 40 games out of the bullpen in his career. He pitched eight games as a reliever last season for the Rays after being booted from the starting rotation.

Ruf taking batting practice

Darin Ruf was in the middle of a torrid spring when he strained his oblique, snatching a certain spot on the opening day roster away from the 27-year-old outfielder/first baseman.

Sandberg said Tuesday that Ruf has been taking batting practice in Clearwater, Fla., at the Phillies' facility for the last four days. Ruf could see game action in extended spring training in the next two or three days.

Ruf would then begin a rehab assignment but it is no guarantee that Ruf will have a spot waiting for him in the majors once he's finished with the assignment.

"I think a guy like him would need to get at-bats, and then see what's going on here," Sandberg said.

In 85 major-league games over the last two seasons, Ruf has a .257 average, an .838 OPS and 17 home runs.

Extra innings

Sandberg said Ethan Martin, who was shut down in spring training with shoulder soreness, has thrown in two extended spring training games and should start a rehab assignment soon. ... Carlos Ruiz was given his NL Player of the Week award before Tuesday's game.